THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
YOUTH FOOTBALL IN CORNWALL
Handy Tips & Practice Advice
Referees play an integral part in ensuring football remains fair, safe and inclusive for all
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Click here for a handy PDF guide for all age groups on matchday
Pre-match prep
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Arrive early: check pitch, goals, nets, corner flags.
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Check teams’ kits to avoid clashes.
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Players’ equipment: Shin pads are compulsory, boots suitable, no jewellery.
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Meet with captains and coaches: explain any ground-specific rules (e.g. substitutions, warm-ups).
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Game length
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U7–U8: 20 mins each half (5v5)
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U9–U10: 25 mins each half (7v7)
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U11–U12: 30 mins each half (9v9)
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U13–U14: 35 mins each half (11v11)
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U15–U16: 40 mins each half (11v11)
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U17–U18: 45 mins each half (11v11)
** U13 girls : 35 mins each half (9v9)**​
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(Half-time = max 15 minutes)
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Communication
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Be clear and calm when speaking to players/coaches.
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Use whistle sparingly but decisively.
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Signal clearly for restarts, fouls, offside, etc.
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Positioning
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Always try to be in a position to see the incident. Anticipate play.
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Move dynamically: follow the ball, adjust angle.
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Key Referee Signals
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Direct free kick: Arm out straight.
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Indirect free kick: Arm raised above head.
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Goal kick: Arm straight out, pointing to goal area.
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Corner: Arm angled down towards corner flag.
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Advantage: Both arms forward.
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Cooling off period: Both hands raised above head crossed and then point to each teams boxes.
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Time management and added time
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Keep track of time lost (injuries, substitutions, delays).
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At end of each half add appropriate stoppage time.
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Safety & Welfare
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Stop play for injuries; ensure injured players get off safely.
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Watch for dangerous play, weather issues, pitch condition.
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Handling substitutions
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Know the substitution rules for the competition
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Ensure substitutes and coaches behave appropriately.
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Dealing with misconduct / dissent
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Zero tolerance for abuse of referees.
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Use red/yellow cards correctly.
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Be consistent.
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Sin Bins
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A temporary dismissal (usually 10 minutes)
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For dissent against a referee (verbally or through actions)
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The team must play with one fewer player during this time.
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After the time is up, the player can return with referee’s permission.
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Key points: A player can receive two sin bins in one match.
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Sin bins aim is to improve respect and reduce abuse towards referees.
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After-match procedures
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Report any send-offs, serious injuries, or misconduct to the league/organisers.
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Fill in referee’s report properly if required using the link below.​
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Keep it simple: safety first, fairness always, stay neutral: no coaching, only officiating.
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The Cooling-Off Period (New Rule)
To support respect and wellbeing in youth football, the league now operates a Cooling-Off Period:
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What it is:
A short break in play where the referee can pause the match if tensions rise (for example: players arguing, dissent towards referee, or frustration building).
It is not a punishment but a chance to calm emotions and reset. -
How it works:
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The referee stops play and clearly signals a cooling-off period (whistle + both arms raised above the head and crossed and then lowered pointing to each teams box).
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Both teams return to their technical areas or coaches for up to 2 minutes.
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Coaches use the time to calm players and remind them about respect and behaviour.
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The referee restarts play with the appropriate restart (usually a dropped ball or the restart that was due before the pause).
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When to use it:
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Rising tempers between players.
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Persistent dissent or arguing with officials.
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Escalating aggression or frustration that could lead to misconduct.
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Why it helps:
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Protects young players from making poor decisions in the heat of the moment.
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Reduces chance of yellow/red cards.
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Supports referees in managing difficult situations without escalating.
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👉 Remember: it’s at the referee’s discretion. Don’t be afraid to use it — it’s there to support you and keep matches enjoyable.
